Bakti Barito Foundation, Kitabisa, and Happy Hearts Indonesia Celebrate the Rapid Reconstruction of Schools in Garut

Garut, February 6, 2025 –  At the inauguration ceremony for the reconstruction of SDN 3 Barusari and SDN 4 Barusari in Garut, Yayasan Bakti Barito, Happy Hearts Indonesia, and Kitabisa celebrated a milestone in sustainable disaster recovery. Using approximately 9.4 tons of recycled plastic bricks, the project not only restored safe learning spaces for 220 students, but also prevented approximately 22 tons of carbon emissions, reinforcing the commitment to environmentally responsible reconstruction.

(from left) Septianna Manullang, Head of Development of Happy Hearts Indonesia; Fifi Pangestu, Executive Director of Bakti Barito Foundation; Barnas Ajidin, Acting Regent of Garut Regency; Edo Irfandi, Director of Kitabisa.org; Jubaedah, Principal of SDN 4 Barusari; and Nenden Komariah, Principal of SDN 3 Barusari, cutting the ribbon to mark the reopening of the two schools.

A classroom at SDN 4 Barusari shows severe damage from the earthquake.

The newly rebuilt classrooms of SDN 4 Barusari by Yayasan Bakti Barito, Kitabisa, and Happy Hearts Indonesia using recycled plastic bricks offer a safer and more earthquake-resistant learning environment for students.

Students at SDN 4 Barusari channel their creativity into art posters, enjoying their bright and sustainable new classrooms.

Students of SDN 4 Barusari performed a cultural dance to celebrate the reopening of their school.

A signboard displaying the logos of the Bakti Barito Foundation, Kitabisa, and Happy Hearts Indonesia.

(from left) Suharsono Darmono, Deputy Chief Power Plant Operations Officer Star Energy Geothermal; Fifi Pangestu, Executive Director of Bakti Barito Foundation; and Barnas Ajidin, Acting Regent of Garut Regency stand together to celebrate the newly reopened school.